API integration is when two or more applications communicate via an API that allows these systems to exchange data. API integration is used by many high-tech organisations to synchronise data and implement processes that increase productivity and revenue.
What is an API (for non-experts)?
An API is, according to Wikipedia, “an application programming interface”. A set of specifications for subroutines, protocols, and tools for developing applications. In general, it is a set of well-defined methods for communicating between different software components.
Here are some commonly used web service APIs.
The most popular and widely used web services API (used by companies, such as CRM and marketing platforms) is the REST API. It is the spiritual successor to SOAP (developed in the 1990s, using XML as the message format and may require an extensive XML system to do so).
70% of public APIs are REST APIs, which are more flexible, easier to learn and work directly with HTTP URLs instead of XML.
How do REST APIs work?
In its simplest form, a REST API for web services usually consists of the following elements:
- – The web application corresponding to the API
- – Remote server
- – Specific information requests
- – Returned data and functions
While there are many different types of software and servers, the REST API acts as a standardized shell for API applications to interact with a web server and request data.
How does API collaboration work?
An application programming interface (API) is software that integrates an organization’s existing processes; it allows multiple systems to exchange information and interact with each other, and allows stakeholders to access information through a single interface. The system can access data through a single interface. In other words, it acts as an integrated intermediary, providing and responding to user requests and responses.
How can API integration be set up?
The cost of setting up a single API integration in Dubai, UAE can easily exceed $10,000, depending on the complexity of the integration and the time spent by the developer. However, using off-the-shelf integration and automation tools can significantly reduce costs and save programmers countless hours.
With the right documentation, programmers can use APIs to quickly create applications that respond to system functionality, rather than creating scripts from scratch. Instead, the platform can be used to identify needed system functions and implement them in an API project.
APIs connect systems and eliminate redundant functionality, simplifying the maintenance of services and ensuring their smooth operation.
You may use the following framework when implementing your integration:
- 1. Outline your business case for the integration: what problem does the integration solve? How will end users use this integration?
- 2. How will the integrated solution be completed? What additional tools and processes are needed to implement the integration?
- 3. Validation of the schema (data links) of each system: how can new links be created between these systems to enable clean data transfer?
- 4. How can new links be created between the systems?
- 5. How can integrations be tested?
Example of VoIP integration via API.
VoIP is just one of the network services and runs on the same infrastructure as all network services, so integration with other network services is in principle easy. VoIP services provide software interfaces that can be used by third party API developers. These can act as service providers or as API service users, where the VoIP service uses APIs from other services or software platforms.
APIs can provide shortcut buttons in service applications, voice calls through web pages, and integration between VoIP phones and third-party collaboration tools.
How can voice APIs improve businesses?
Ringstar’s advanced phone interface allows developers to integrate existing systems with a wide range of phone solutions. Ringstar’s software API can do it all, whether integrating with an existing CRM platform, mobile application or in-house architecture. Developers can use advanced telephony features to connect their systems to voice applications, call tracking, virtual call centers and IVR solutions.
Cloud Telephony and CRM Systems integration via API
Ringstar API is compatible with a wide range of ERP and CRM applications, including Salesforce, Zoho CRM, AMO CRM and Bitrix24. The tools and information provided by Ringstar allow you to use the programming interface efficiently and easily coordinate the interaction between your software and the Ringstar platform.
